Acts powerfully upon the cerebrospinal system, giving rise to two
distinct and characteristic conditions, known as convulsive and
gangrenous ergotism ; the former resulting directly from nerve
poisoning, while the latter is due to secondary blood disorganization,
or, as is well maintained, to the power Ergot possesses over the
unstriped muscular fiber, producing persistent contraction of the
arterial coats, diminishing their caliber, and so reducing their
current of blood.

This, too, might produce cerebral and spinal anaemia, and thus,
also, cause the convulsive form of

Ergot poisoning.

A full description of these conditions may not be presented here,
but sufficient may be gathered from the annexed list of symptoms.

To the powerful action of

Ergot on the unstriped muscular fiber, also, is due the
important effects it displays upon the gravid uterus, exciting
contractions thereof, and expelling its contents.

To avert such a disaster

Secale is often the true homoeopathic remedy, but to give it
in parturition, to hasten delivery, as is the practice of the Old
School, is simply inexcusable.

Characteristic symptoms.

Mind.- (Secale cornutum)

Stupid, half-sleepy condition. (Bell., Op.)

Dullness of all the senses.

Mild or raving delirium. (Bell., Hyos., Stram.)

Great anxiety and fear of death. (Acon., Ars.)

Head.- (Secale cornutum)

Stupefaction ; vertigo.

Heaviness of the head, and tingling in the legs.

Eyes.- (Secale cornutum)

Eyes sunken, and surrounded by a blue margin

. (Phos., Cinch., Kali iod.,
Sulph.)

Eyes look fixed, wild, staring

. (Canth., Bell., Hyos.)

Obscuration of sight.

Pupils generally dilated. (

Bell., Hyos., Stram.)

Ears.- (Secale cornutum)

Roaring in the ears, with great difficulty in hearing. (Calc. c.,
Merc.,

Phos.
ac., Sulph.)

Hard hearing after cholera.

Nose.- (Secale cornutum)

Bleeding of the nose

. (Acon., Bell., Bry., Ham.)

Face.- (Secale cornutum)

Pale, sunken, hippocratic, anxious expression. (Ars.,

Camph., Verat. alb.)

Lips bluish or deathly pale.

Mouth.- (Secale cornutum)

Tongue clean, or coated white. (

Ant. crud., Bry., Nux v., Puls.)

Very offensive breath. (

Arn., Hep. s., Iodi., Merc., Nitr. ac., Nux v.)

Increased secretion of saliva. (

Hep. s., Merc., Kali iod.)

Feeble, stuttering, indistinct speech, as if the tongue were
paralyzed. (Caust.,